Texas Advisory Committee Releases Report on Mental Health Care in the Texas Juvenile Justice System

Summary:

The Texas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report on February 14, 2024, regarding mental health care in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). Following a series of public hearings, the Committee identified several concerns, including inadequate addressing of mental health needs, facility understaffing, and under-resourcing. Despite some improvements, the Committee urges the state Legislature and Governor to address these issues immediately to meet the needs of youth in the Texas Juvenile Justice System.